When you have sensitive skin, EVERY season can be “sensitive-skin season.” Between temperatures, humidity, sun exposure, allergens, and more, the seasons can have a major effect on our lives—and on our skin.
Spring is a time of growth. The flowers and trees are blooming – which means allergies may flare, causing sneezing, congestion, and possible skin issues like itchiness, hives, and more.
Allergens can become trapped in clothes and irritate skin. And you can track those allergens indoors, spreading them on fabrics in your home like couches, soft chairs, and even your bedsheets and pillows.
Everyone loves a spring breeze coming in through open windows but be aware that allergens can get caught in curtains and remain in the fabrics until you clean them.
In many areas of the United States, spring is also a time of volatile weather. It can be warm one day and snowing the next. These extreme fluctuations can exacerbate certain skin diseases like dermatitis, psoriasis and other conditions.1
Summer means heat, humidity, and a lot of sun which can lead to skin issues.
Sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on your skin, causing skin to break out. Chemicals from the pool and dry air from air conditioning can cause skin to dry out. Being in the great outdoors means brushing up against plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Some people are sensitive to heat and can break out in a heat rash while others are sensitive to sunlight, causing their skin to break out in an allergic reaction.2
And, of course, overexposure to sun can cause short and long-term skin problems. So, wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen is extra important during summer when people tend to be out in the sun more.
Just like spring, autumn is a time when people enjoy spending time outside and enjoying fresh fall breezes. Which means people with sensitive skin should take the same precautions in fall as they do during the spring.
Though pollen in spring is different from pollen in autumn, about 75% of people who are allergic to spring pollen are also allergic to autumn pollen, especially ragweed.3
During cooler months, many people start to wear clothing made of wool and synthetic fabrics which can irritate skin.
In winter, temperatures and humidity percentages plummet.
Dry, cold air causes skin to dry out which can lead to itchiness and flaking. Plus, indoor heating further depletes skin’s moisture which is why some dermatologists recommend adding a layer of clothing or using an extra blanket instead of cranking up the heat or using a fireplace.4
You may be tempted to change up your skincare routine when the seasons change. But there are simple things you can do to help keep your sensitive skin healthy and happy no matter what season.
- Keep skincare simple: avoid harsh and drying soaps. Keep baths and showers short and warm, not hot. Use lotions and moisturizers to keep skin hydrated.
- Use sunscreen: in summer and winter! UV damage can happen all year round, so whether you’re waterskiing or hitting the slopes, be sure to apply sunscreen.
- Limit allergen exposure: limit outdoor time during high allergy seasons. Use a dryer or indoor drying rack instead of a clothesline to avoid trapping allergens in clothing. And use an extra rinse cycle when cleaning clothes to help wash allergens away.
- Use a sensitive-skin laundry detergent: no matter the season or reason for your sensitive skin, sensitive-skin laundry detergents can reduce skin irritation while ensuring clothes are clean from dirt and allergens. Remember to regularly wash your sheets, pillowcases, towels, and even your curtains.
When it comes to sensitive-skin laundry detergents, being free of dyes and perfumes is important, but look for other traits that give you confidence that it will be gentle on your skin.
all® free clear is the #1 dermatologist, allergist, and pediatrician recommended sensitive-skin laundry detergent. It was the first laundry detergent awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association. And it removes 99% of top everyday and seasonal allergens*. This helps keep irritating allergens away from your skin all year long.
* Dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, grass/tree pollen. all® free clear is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.
Sources:
- Ifeanyi Uchegbulam, Simon G. Danby, Roger Lewis, Matt J. Carré, Raman Maiti. (2022) Effect of seasonal change on the biomechanical and physical properties of the human skin. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials (127), 105058, ISSN 1751-6161. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751616121006834
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/prevent-summer-skin-problems
- https://www.webmd.com/allergies/fall-allergy-relief
- https://www.aad.org/news/cold-weather-and-your-skin
